“And she put the skins of the kids of the goats upon his hands, and upon the smooth of his neck: Genesis 27:16 (KJV)”
Genesis 27:16 is part of the narrative of Jacob and Rebekah’s deception of Isaac in order to obtain the blessing intended for Esau, his older brother. To understand the significance of this verse, let’s explore the context and the events leading up to it.
In Genesis 27, Isaac, who is old and blind, decides to bless his eldest son Esau before his impending death. However, Rebekah, Jacob’s mother, overhears this and devises a plan to ensure that Jacob, her favourite son, receives the blessing instead.
In the preceding verses, Rebekah instructs Jacob to bring two young goats from the flock so that she can prepare a dish to present to Isaac, mimicking Esau’s hunting abilities. She also tells Jacob to put on Esau’s clothing and cover his hands and neck with the skins of the goats. These actions are intended to deceive Isaac into thinking that Jacob is Esau.
In Genesis 27:16, we see Rebekah carrying out her plan. She takes the skins of the young goats and places them on Jacob’s hands and the smooth part of his neck. The significance of this action lies in the fact that Esau was known for being hairy, while Jacob was smooth-skinned. By covering Jacob’s hands and neck with the goat skins, Rebekah aims to make Jacob appear like Esau to Isaac’s touch.
This verse highlights the lengths to which Rebekah is willing to go to ensure that Jacob receives the blessing. It underscores the deception at play and the subversion of the expected order within the family.
The story of Jacob and Esau carries broader themes of favouritism, deceit, and the consequences of such actions. While Jacob’s deception succeeds, it ultimately leads to a strained relationship between the brothers and the need for Jacob to flee from Esau’s wrath. This incident serves as a pivotal moment in the narrative of Genesis, setting the stage for the complex dynamics within the family and the unfolding of God’s plan for Jacob’s life.
It is important to note that while the events described in Genesis 27 involve deception, the Bible presents them as part of the historical account, rather than as an endorsement of deceitful actions. The consequences of these actions are shown throughout the subsequent events in the lives of Jacob, Esau, and their descendants.
Overall, Genesis 27:16 captures a crucial moment in the story of Jacob and Rebekah’s deception of Isaac, emphasizing the lengths to which they were willing to go to secure the blessing for Jacob. It prompts us to reflect on the implications of their actions and the broader themes of God’s sovereignty, human frailty, and the consequences of our choices.
